"Time's getting late, we should be going. Thank you, Mr. Wei, for your hospitality," Yu Xiaoxuan noticed the tense atmosphere at the dining table and broke the silence.
Shen Qinglan stood up; Yu Xiaoxuan's words were exactly what she wanted.
Beneath his outwardly gentlemanly appearance, Wei Lin was actually quite petty and cared deeply about his image. Shen Qinglan's earlier words had clearly been a slight to him, and his initial interest in her turned into resentment.
He grabbed Shen Qinglan's wrist with a somewhat frivolous smile, "Miss Shen, why the rush? We just finished lunch, and it's still early. Why not find another place to continue having fun?"
Shen Qinglan lowered her eyes, her gaze falling on the large hand gripping her wrist, a glint of coldness in her eyes.
"This guy is really lacking in decorum, just because she rejected him, he doesn't give up," Han Yi watched with an amused expression.
Their table was diagonally opposite Shen Qinglan's, with only one table between them. Though not intentionally eavesdropping, he clearly heard the conversation.
"I'm curious to see how the Eldest Miss Shen will handle this situation," Han Yi's eyes were full of interest. He had always been intrigued by this low-profile Shen family heiress but never had the opportunity to interact. Her brother, Shen Junyu, was overprotective, keeping a tight guard over her. The only time he saw her was by chance when visiting Shen Junyu. After an extra glance at Shen Qinglan, he was warned by Shen Junyu. For a long time, he felt Shen Junyu's guarded eyes on him.
Fu Hengyi ignored Han Yi's words. Though his eyes were on the glass of water before him, his attention drifted to the table behind them. For some reason, Shen Qinglan's eyes evoked a sense of familiarity in him.
"Wei Lin, let go," Shen Qinglan hadn't spoken yet when Yu Xiaoxuan angrily intervened.
Wei Lin didn't even glance at Yu Xiaoxuan, his eyes fixed on Shen Qinglan.
With a gentle twist of her wrist, Shen Qinglan freed herself from Wei Lin's grip, "Mr. Wei, please mind your manners in public."
Though not a high-end restaurant, it was decent enough, bustling with people at lunchtime. The commotion had already caught some attention.
Wei Lin, concerned with saving face, didn't want to cause a scene but wasn't ready to let Shen Qinglan go either. Not knowing much about her background, finding her again wouldn't be easy.
Adjusting his expression into a slight smile, Wei Lin said, "Miss Shen, why keep people at arm's length? Since we've met, we're friends. It's normal for friends to exchange contact information, don't you think?"
"I don't think we can be friends. This is for lunch. Going Dutch seems more appropriate for us." Shen Qinglan pulled a few bills from her pocket and placed them on the table.
Wei Lin felt the red notes on the table were glaringly offensive, an outright insult. Losing his gentlemanly demeanor, he forgot this was a public place and clutched Shen Qinglan's wrist, speaking in a low, sinister tone, "It seems Miss Shen doesn't want to give Mr. Wei any face."
Yu Xiaoxuan's expression changed, becoming unpleasant. Her eyes widened in disbelief at Wei Lin, as if she couldn't believe such brazen behavior existed.
A chill deepened in Shen Qinglan's eyes. As she contemplated the trouble of getting physical in public, someone pried Wei Lin's fingers from her wrist, a large hand settling on her waist, causing her to momentarily stiffen. The iciness in her gaze vanished in a flash.
"You're harassing my fiancée in front of me. Did you get my permission?" A deep, magnetic male voice sounded in her ear, but it carried a chilling threat.
Everyone's eyes turned to the man with his arm around Shen Qinglan. Once they saw him clearly, they couldn't help but be taken aback. He was undeniably a handsome man.
Shen Qinglan turned, recognizing the man's features, surprise flashing in her eyes—it was him.
"Hmph, you claim she's your fiancée. If that were true, would she be out on a blind date?" Wei Lin sneered towards Shen Qinglan, looking at her as if she were dirty. Though wary of Fu Hengyi's intimidating presence, he thought being in such a public setting meant the man wouldn't dare do anything to him.
The situation had long drawn the attention of the restaurant patrons. Men were captivated by Shen Qinglan's stunning beauty, while women were envious, especially when their own companions gazed at her in admiration, inwardly cursing her as a "seductress." Hearing Wei Lin's words, they assumed Shen Qinglan was indiscreet, engaging in antics despite having a fiancée.
"Qinglan wasn't here for a blind date. She came with me. Do you have any shame, clinging on just because someone is attractive without considering your own state?" Yu Xiaoxuan exploded. Normally mild-mannered, she easily lost her temper over Qinglan, especially when others mistreated her.
Yu Xiaoxuan's words were an explanation and a slap in the face.
"Why didn't you tell me before coming out? Are you still mad at me?" Fu Hengyi spoke softly, looking at Shen Qinglan with tenderness tinged with helplessness, as if indulging a pouting child.
Though Shen Qinglan knew he was pretending, she couldn't help but twitch her lips at this man.
"Something came up last minute, so I came out. I'll be sure to inform you next time beforehand," Shen Qinglan cooperated. Since he was helping, she wouldn't expose him.
"Mister, from now on, do not trouble my fiancée anymore. She's gracious and doesn't want to make a fuss, but I'm not as easygoing. Should you harass her again, I won't be so courteous next time."
Fu Hengyi was serious as he addressed Wei Lin, though his eyes glinted like sharp blades, the menace palpable.
Wei Lin's retort died in his throat, succumbing to the piercing gaze. Instinct warned him this man wasn't joking.
Han Yi sat slack-jawed at the unfolding scene, convinced he must be seeing a different Fu Hengyi.
Ignoring Wei Lin, Fu Hengyi led Shen Qinglan out of the restaurant. Yu Xiaoxuan quickly grabbed her bag to follow, leaving Wei Lin standing flushed and pale. Oh, and one more—Han Yi, who was momentarily forgotten by Fu Hengyi.
Han Yi stroked his chin, watching their departing figures with growing amusement.